Multiple pass or multiple fluid heat exchange apparatus and method for using same

ABSTRACT

A heat exchanger with a uniquely designed header system which allows tubes carrying independent products to exchange heat with a product in one common shell. Multiple tube sheets provide for tubes carrying different independent products to exchange heat with the product passing through the shell side of the exchanger. The design advantages to this heat exchanger system are threefold, this exchanger design eliminates the need for multiple heat exchangers that perform the same task, it greatly reduces the size and footprint of a traditionally designed multiple heat exchanger systems, which rely on multiple independent heat exchangers to perform the same task, and lastly this new designed heat exchanger reduces the high cost of having to use multiple exchangers to obtain the same results.

This application is based upon and claims priority from U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 62/589,355, filed Nov. 21, 2017 and 62/621,291, filed Jan. 24, 2018, which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to heat exchangers. More specifically, to a single heat exchanger with multiple tubes carrying one or more independent fluids exchanging heat with one common fluid.

Background Information

A heat exchanger is a device that is designed to use heat transfer in order to change the temperature of a first volume of a substance using the temperature of a separate volume of a substance. In order to work, the two volumes of substances are placed within operative communication of each other such that heat can be transferred from one volume of substance to the other. Heat transfer, via either conduction or convection, tends to use the heat from a first substance to warm a cooler second substance. Thus, the warmer substance is cooled and the cooler substance is warmed. However, because the substances are continually moving through the heat exchanger, the heat transfer between the two substances is a continuous process that tends not to reach equilibrium. It should be noted that the substances are not mixed but rather stay isolated from one another.

Fluids are generally used to transfer heat. As used herein, “fluid” can mean either the liquid phase, or the gaseous phase, of a substance. Thus, “fluid” could be used herein to describe either a liquid, such as but not limited to water or oil, or a gas, such as but not limited to air, nitrogen, or oxygen. Further, although it is not intended to be limiting in regard to the types of fluids that might oil and gas industry where fluids are generally hydrocarbons. As used herein, “hydrocarbon” refers to various fluid forms of organic compounds that are comprised of hydrogen and carbon. Common hydrocarbons include, but are not limited to, petroleum based fuels, solvents, and lubricants.

There are various types of heat exchangers, such as gas to liquid cooling, liquid to gas cooling, liquid to liquid cooling, or gas to gas cooling. In each case, heat is transferred from one warmer substance to the other cooler substance, for example transferring heat from a warm gas to a cool liquid.

When designing heat exchangers, manufacturers usually select materials for the apparatus that have good thermal conductivity as a property so that there is relatively easy heat transfer between the substances and thus, a high heat transfer coefficient. The heat transfer coefficient is a quantitative characteristic of convective heat transfer between a fluid medium (a fluid) and the surface (wall) flowed over by the fluid. The heat transfer coefficient depends on both the thermal properties of a medium, the hydrodynamic characteristics of its flow, and the hydrodynamic and thermal boundary conditions. An additional consideration when choosing the material is that it (or they, in the case of multiple materials) be compatible with the substances that will be in contact with the material during the heat transfer. Copper and stainless steel are examples of materials that are often used.

There are various types and forms of apparatuses (heat exchangers) used to put the substances in operative communication with each other such that heat can be exchanged. For example, tube and fin heat exchangers consist of fins, hairpin tubes, return bends to connect the hairpins, a tube sheet to support and properly align the tubes, a header with inlets and outlets, side plates for structural support, and usually a fan plate. The tubes provide the path for the liquid coolant, and the thin ads surface area for more heat convection.

Another example is the flat tube heat exchanger which also has tubes and fins however, the tubes are flat instead of round. The surface area of the flat tubes is also much greater than the surface area of the tubes in a tube and fin heat exchanger. The additional surface area of the tubes in an flat tube heat exchanger maximizes heat transfer when poor heat transfer fluids like oil or ethylene glycol are used. These heat exchangers consist of fin, flat tubes, a welded header with inlets and outlets, and plates, including an optional fan plate.

Conventional shell and tube heat exchangers are one of the most widely used types of heat exchangers and are built in various configurations. A shell and tube exchanger consists of a number of tubes mounted inside a cylindrical shell that may often be found in a petrochemical plant. Two fluids can exchange heat, one fluid flows over the outside of the tubes while the second fluid flows through the tubes. The fluids can be single or two phase, and can flow in the same direction, or in opposite directions.

The basic components of a shell and tube heat exchanger consist of a multiplicity of round tubes incased in a round, hollow cylinder referred to as the shell. A multiplicity of tubes may be referred to as a tube set. The tubes run generally parallel to the shell and are mounted on centralizers called baffles. The baffles serve two purposes, they hold and support the tubes separated and in place, they are also used to divert the shell side product flow in a non-linear path across the tubes for better heat transfer. A tube sheet is a flat plate with holes or apertures through it corresponding with the number of tubes in the exchanger. The tube sheet is mounted at the end of the shell cylinder. The tubes pass through their corresponding holes in the tube sheet and the gap between the tubes and tube sheet is sealed. The tube sheet's function is to separate the liquid running through the shell from the liquid running through the tubes. Coupled about the perimeter of the tube sheet, opposite the shell chamber, may be a channel head. The channel head supplies an inlet or an outlet for the tube side liquid and forms a common header for the liquid to enter the tubes. A end cap or bonnet is coupled to the header (generally, but not necessarily, to the end opposite the tube sheet), or the outside ends of the channel head.

There are heat exchanger designs that allow for two or more different products passing through the tube side of a shell and tube heat exchanger but these designs require partitions on both ends of the exchanger, requiring flanges and gaskets that make the design overly complicated, and making the exchanger very prone to leaking, which in turn requires expensive down time for repairs. This conventional design is also prone to clogging which requires additional down time for cleaning. The alternative to these designs is to add separate heat exchangers for the different product streams. One of the problems with this scenario is by adding additional exchangers there is a necessity that there be a way to connect the multiple exchangers together which also greatly increases the systems cost. The other problem with a multi exchanger system is the space or the foot print needed to make such a system work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention it is for an apparatus that allows for controlled heat transfer of multiple substances in a pass, or a single substance with multiple passes, through a single heat exchanger shell which may be mounted on a transportable skid. The method of the present invention provides for moving a multiplicity of liquid or gaseous substances through a multiplicity of designated tubes which are located inside a shell containing a heat exchanging substance.

In the oil and gas industry in particular, there has been a need to utilize skid mounted production equipment that can be moved to a production facility, used until no longer needed, then loaded on a truck and transported to another production facility. This means the size and weight of skid mounted equipment, of any kind, that can be loaded on a transport truck is limited. The current method to reduce size and weight is to split the production equipment onto two are more skids which greatly increases the cost and the feasibility of mounting certain production equipment on a portable skid.

The cooling area to weight ratio required for traditional tube and shell heat exchangers is very high when compared to this new invention which reduces size and weight while maintaining the same performance. The way in which this new invention accomplishes this is by running two are more products through one common shell with the use of multiple tube sheets to keep the products separated. This new design considerably reduces overall weight, overall size, and overall cost. When required, heat exchangers can be one of the most essential and costly components in the oil and gas industry, they are very complex, heavy and use a lot of valuable space, this invention simplifies the process making the concept of transportable skid mounted production equipment more feasible.

The traditional design uses a divider plate welded in the channel header with a machined flange that bolts to the tube sheet which requires a gasket. The traditional design is very expensive to produce as opposed to the current invention which uses an extra outside tube sheet to separate the products which can be welded directly to channel header pipe without the need for an internal divider which requires a bolted flange and bolted tube sheet to be able to install the divider.

Fin tube exchangers tend to be less expensive to manufacture, but are less efficient than the more expensive shell and tube design. By using an extra tube sheet to separate two products running through only one shell, this new design is able to eliminate an extra exchanger needed for the two separate products and consequently makes the more efficient shell and tube exchanger less expensive to manufacture.

The heat exchanger herein has a cylindrical shell with a hollow interior that extends from from a first aperture at the first end of the shell to a second aperture at the second end of the shell. The shell also has a shell outlet near said first end of the shell and a shell inlet near the second end of the shell. Inside the shell, running lengthwise from shell end to end is a tube bundle which is made up of a multiplicity of tube sets, with each tube set made up of a multiplicity of tubes.

A second input tube sheet is coupled to the first end of the shell across the first aperture. Tube sheets have a multiplicity of holes the number of which is corresponding with the number of said tubes in the shell. A cylindrical, hollow, second input head creates a second input head chamber, and the first end of the second input head is coupled to the second input tube sheet opposite said shell. The second input head has a second input head inlet.

Basically mirroring the above, a second output tube sheet is coupled to the second end of the shell across the second aperture. The second output tube sheet has a multiplicity of holes the number of which corresponds with the number of the tubes in the tube bundle. A cylindrical and hollow, second output head creates a second output head chamber. The first end of the second output head is coupled to the second output tube sheet opposite the shell. The second output head has a second output head inlet.

Lined up generally linearly is a first input tube sheet coupled to the second end of the second input head. The first input tube sheet has a multiplicity of holes the number of which corresponds with the number of tubes in a first tube set. The first input head is generally hemispherical and hollow creates a first input head chamber. The equatorial end of the first input head is coupled to the first input tube sheet opposite the second input head. The first input head hays a first input head inlet.

Lined up generally linearly is a first output tube sheet coupled to the second end of the second output head. The first output tube sheet has a multiplicity of holes the number of which corresponds with the number of holes in the first input tube sheet. The first output head is generally hemispherical and hollow, and creates a first output head chamber. The equatorial end of the first output head is coupled to the first output tube sheet opposite the second output head. The first output head has a first output head outlet.

In the heat exchanger, each of the individual tubes pass through a unique hole of the holes in the second input and output tube sheets. The tubes in a second tube set are sized such that an interior of the tubes in said second tube set is open to the second input head chamber and second output head chamber allowing NGLs to pass from head chamber to head chamber. Likewise, the tubes in the first tube set are sized such that an interior of said tubes in said first tube set is open to the first input head chamber and the first output head chamber. Any gaps between the tubes in the tube bundle or tube sets and the holes in the various tube sheets are sealed to keep different NGLs from mixing.

A third input tube sheet may be coupled between the others. For example, third input tube sheet may be coupled to the first end of the shell across the first aperture. The third input tube sheet has a multiplicity of holes the number of which corresponds with the number of the tubes in the shell. The third input head is cylindrical and hollow, and creates a third input head chamber. The first end of the third input head is coupled to the third input tube sheet opposite the shell. The third input head has a third input head inlet. Likewise, a third output tube sheet is coupled to the second end of the shell across said second aperture, wherein the third output tube sheet has a multiplicity of holes the number of which corresponds with the number of the tubes in the tube bundle. The third output head, again cylindrical and hollow, creates a third output head chamber. The first end of the third output head is coupled to the third output tube sheet opposite the shell. The third output head has a third output head inlet. The tubes in the first tube set are sized such that an interior of the tubes in the first tube set is open to the third input head chamber and the third output head chamber. As with the other tube sheets, any gaps between the tubes in the tube bundle and the holes in the third input and third output tube sheets are sealed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is a perspective, cut-away view a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2. is a perspective, cut-away view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3a . is a side, cross-sectional view of a traditional apparatus for heat exchange using multiple heat exchangers.

FIG. 3b . is a side, cross-sectional view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating the heat exchange system using the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front, cross-sectional view along line A-A from FIG. 5 of a second tube sheet of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front, cross-sectional view along line B-B from FIG. 5 of a first tube sheet of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side, cross-sectional view along line Y-Y from FIG. 7 of a first tube sheet of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side, perspective view of the present invention installed on a first embodiment of a sled.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the present invention installed on a first embodiment of a sled.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the present invention as it might be installed on a sled.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the present invention installed on a first embodiment of a sled.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the present invention as it might be installed on a sled.

FIG. 14 is a bottom, perspective view of the present invention as it might be installed on a sled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Ref. Element 10 Improved Heat Exchanger 12 Shell 14 First Input Head 16 First Output Head 18 Second Input Head 20 Second Output Head 22 Third Input Head 24 Third Output Head 26 First Input Head Inlet 28 First Output Head Outlet 30 Second Input Head Inlet 32 Second Output Head Outlet 34 Third Input Head Inlet 36 Third Output Head Outlet 38 Shell Outlet 40 Shell Inlet 42 First Input Tube Sheet 44 First Output Tube Sheet 46 Second Input Tube Sheet 48 Second Output Tube Sheet 50 Third Input Tube Sheet 52 Third Output Tube Sheet 54 Tube Sheet Aperture 56 First Tube 58 Second Tube 60 Third Tube 62 Tube Bundle 64 Baffle 66 Baffle Aperture 68 First Input Head Chamber 70 Second Input Head Chamber 72 Third Input Head Chamber 74 Shell Chamber 76 Second Shell 78 Second Shell Chamber 80 First Output Head Chamber 82 Second Output Head Chamber 84 Source Pipe 86 Coalescing Filter Separator 88 Thermostatically Controlled Temperature Valve 90 Joule-Thomson Valve 92 Cold Separator 94 Cold Separator Inlet 96 Cold Separator 98 Cold Separator Outlet 100 Transfer Pipe 102 First Hot Liquid Pipe 104 Second Hot Liquid Pipe 106 Bypass Pipe 108 Natural Gas Liquid (“NGL”) 110 Cold Gas 112 NGL Outlet 114 Cold Gas Outlet 116 NGL Pipe 118 Cold Gas Pipe 120 NGL Outflow Pipe 122 Cold Gas Outflow Pipe 124 First Output Head Chamber 126 Second Output Head Chamber 128 Tube Sheet Shoulder 130 Rim 132 Center 134 Sled 136 Platform 138 Sled Side 140 Sled End 142 Sled Runner 144 Tow Bar 146 Sled Bottom

Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates the new exchanger 10 design setup to exchange heat from the shell side product with two separated products passing through the tube sides separated by multiple tube sheets (42, 44, 46, 48). A shell side product (not shown) enters a nozzle, shell inlet 40 and travels the length of the shell 12 exchanging heat with separate products (not shown) traveling through the tube bundle 62 then exits a nozzle, shell outlet 38. A first tube side product (not shown) enters a nozzle, first input head inlet 26 into the first input head 14 and is divided through multiple first tubes 56 passing through first input tube sheet 42, passing through second input tube sheet 46, traveling the length of the first tubes 56 exchanging heat with the shell side product (not shown), passing second output tube sheet 48, and then passing through first output tube sheet 44 where the product stream is reunited in the first output head 16 before exiting a nozzle, first output head output 28. A second tube side product (not shown) enters a nozzle, second input head inlet 30 into the second input head 18 and is divided through multiple second tubes 58. This cut-away view shows many of the second tubes 58 as having been cut short (so as to better show details of the interior of the heat exchanger 10), but in the invention each of the second tubes 58 would engage with a tube sheet aperture 54 of the second input tube sheet 46 and extend through an individual baffle aperture 66 of each of the baffles 64, before engaging with a tube sheet aperture 54 of the second output tube sheet 48. The second tube side product (not shown) passes through second input tube sheet 46 and traveling the length of the second tubes 58 exchanging heat with the second shell side product (not shown) then passing through second output tube sheet 48 into second output head 20 where the second shell side product (not shown) stream is reunited before exiting a nozzle, second output head outlet 32. It should be noted that the second tube side product (not shown) could either be a separate product from the first tube side product and shell side product, or the first tube side product can be passed through the heat exchanger 10 multiple times and thus being used as either the second tube side product or shell side product.

The tube bundle 62 is the collection of the multiplicity of tubes (56, 58, 60) inside of which the various tube side products (not shown) pass through the shell 12. The tubes (56, 58, 60) of the tube bundle 62 is secured by the tube sheets (42, 44, 46, 48) at their opposite ends. The tubes (56, 58, 60) are organized within the tube bundle 62 by being inserted through tube sheet apertures 54 in the tube sheets (42, 44, 46, 48) and secured there. The inner sides of the tube sheets (42, 44, 46, 48) are toward the inside of the shell, while the outer sides of the tube sheets (42, 44, 46, 48) are toward the heads (14, 16, 18, 20) of the heat exchanger 10.

Along the length of the tube bundle 62 one or more baffles 64 may be placed. The main roles of a baffle 64 in a shell 12 of the tube heat exchanger 10 are to hold the tubes (56, 58, 60) in position (preventing sagging), and to promote cross-wise movement of the shell side product (not shown) in addition to the length-wise move of the shell side product (not shown) within the shell 12, and thus increase heat transfer between the shell side product (not shown) and the tube side products (not shown) in the tubes (56, 58, 60).

FIG. 2 shows the new exchanger design setup to exchange heat from the shell side product with three separated products passing through the tube sides separated by multiple tube sheets. As in FIG. 1, this cut-away view shows many of the second tubes 58 as having been cut short (so as to better show details of the interior of the heat exchanger 10), but in the invention each of the second tubes 58 would engage with a tube sheet aperture 54 of the second input tube sheet 46 and extend through an individual baffle aperture 66 of each of the baffles 64, before engaging with a tube sheet aperture 54 of the second output tube sheet 48.

Again, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a shell side product (not shown) enters a nozzle, shell inlet 40 and travels the length of the shell 12 exchanging heat with separate products (not shown) traveling through the tube bundle 62 then exits a nozzle, shell outlet 38. Tube side products (not shown) enter an input head inlet (26, 30) into an input head (14, 18) and are divided through multiple tubes (56, 58) passing through one or both of the input tube sheets (42, 46), traveling the length of the tubes (56, 58) exchanging heat with the shell side product (not shown), passing through one or both of the output tube sheets (48, 44), where the product streams are reunited in the appropriate output head (16, 20) before exiting an output head outlet (28, 32).

However, FIG. 2 additionally illustrates that additional paired input and output heads (and their associated tube sheets and tubes) can be integrated into the improved heat exchanger 10. Here, a third tube side product (not shown) enters a nozzle, third input head inlet 34 into the third input head 22 and is divided through multiple third tubes 60 passing through third input tube sheet 50, traveling the length of the third tubes 60 while exchanging heat with the shell side product (not shown), then passing through third output tube sheet 52 where the product stream is reunited in the third output head 24 before exiting a nozzle, third output head output 36.

Additional paired input and output heads (and their associated tube sheets and tubes) can be integrated into the improved heat exchanger 10, up until the diameter of the restricts the addition of more tubes, or the addition of additional paired input and output heads is limited by the number of tubes that fit in the shell 12, are in communication (or associated with) with the paired input and output heads, and are sufficient to provide for heat exchange at an efficiency acceptable to the user.

FIGS. 3a and 3b can be compared in order to demonstrate the advantages of the present invention versus the traditional method using multiple heat exchangers. FIG. 3a illustrates a traditional multi-pass method using multiple heat exchangers. There are multiple separate shells—as shown in this figure, shell 12 and second shell 76. The multiple shells each have a single pair of associated heads (14/16 and 18/20). The shell side product (not shown) passes through the first shell 12 exchanging heat with a first tube side product (not shown) that had entered the first shell 12 through the input side head inlet 26, the first input head chamber 68, through the first input tube sheet 42 and through the first shell 12 in the first tubes 56. The first tube side product (not shown) exits the first shell 12 through the first output head chamber 80 and out the first output head outlet 28. The shell side product (not shown) passes out of the first shell 12 and is transferred to the second shell 76 via a transfer pipe 100 where it will exchange heat with a second tube side product (not shown).

FIG. 3b demonstrates the advantages of the improved heat exchanger 10 over the traditional method using multiple heat exchangers to exchange heat with two are more products. A shell side product exchanges heat with multiple tube side products in a single common shell 12 with the use of multiple tubes sheets (42, 46, 48, and 44), thus eliminating the need for a separate heat exchangers. The same heat exchange between multiple products is effectuated with less bulk and weight, thus increasing efficiency while decreasing cost to the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method to lower hydrocarbon dew point by using Low Temperature Separation. In this example, a Joule-Thomson valve (“JT valve”) is used to reduce the temperature with a heat exchanger to further lower the temperature in order to separate the Natural Gas Liquids (“NGL”) from the lighter hydrocarbons that remain in the gas phase. High pressure gas inters pipe 84 is passed through coalescing filter 86 particulates and water vapor is removed.

Exiting the coalescing filter separator 86, the hydrocarbon liquid passes through a transfer pipe 100 until it arrives at a junction with a thermostatically controlled temperature valve 88. The purpose of the control valve 88 is to control set-point temperature. Thermostatically controlled temperature valves 88 provide automatic and accurate temperature control of fluids. These self-contained, 3-way temperature control regulating valves 88 may be used in either mixing or diverting applications and require no external power source.

Exiting the 3-way temperature valve the hot gas is directed to pipe 102 or to pipe 106 depending on set temperature. If the hot gas is directed through pipe 102, it next enters the heat exchanger 74 through shell side inlet 38, the hot shell side gas now travels the full length of the heat exchanger exchanging heat with the tube side gas and the tube side NGL traveling in the opposite direction, the shell side gas exits outlet 40 at a reduced temperature. The gas then travels through pipe 104 where it enters the JT Valve.

The Joule-Thomson effect in theory, is a thermodynamic process that occurs when a fluid expands from high pressure to low pressure at constant enthalpy. Such a process can be approximated in the real world by expanding a fluid from high pressure to low pressure across a valve. Under the right conditions, this can cause cooling of the fluid.

Gas passes through JT valve 90 causing a pressure and temperature drop, the temperature causes some of the heaver hydrocarbons and water in the gas stream to condense into liquid phase. The gas stream is allowed into cold separator 92 through the cold separator inlet 94. After entering the cold separator the velocity of the two phase gas stream is slowed in the larger diameter cold separator allowing the hydrocarbon liquids 108 and water to separate from the lighter hydrocarbon gas 110, the liquids fall to the bottom of the cold separator where it is periodically dumped. The NGL exits through cold separator NGL outlet 112. After traveling through pipe 116, the NGL enters heat exchanger end cap inlet 26. The NGL stream is separated through multiple NGL tubes 56 which are secured and pass through corresponding holes in NGL tube sheet 42 which serves to separate the NGL side from the shell side gas, after passing through tube sheet 42 the cold NGL passes channel head 18. The NGL leaves channel head 18 and passes through tube sheet 46, the NGL now travels the full length of the heat exchanger cooling the hotter shell side gas as it travels in the opposite direction. From cold separator gas outlet 114 the now colder gas travels through pipe 118 and enters heat exchanger channel head 18 through channel head inlet 30, after entering channel head the gas is separated and passed through multiple gas tubes 58 which are secured through corresponding holes in tube sheet 46, which serves to separate the tube gas stream from the shell side gas stream, after passing through tube sheet 46 the cold gas now travels through the multiple tubes the full length of the heat exchanger as it cools the hotter shell side gas traveling in the opposite direction, the tube side gas now passes through tube sheet 48 entering channel head 20 then exits channel head outlet 32, the treated fuel grade gas now exits the fuel conditioning skid through pipe 122.

FIG. 4 illustrates how heat exchangers are used to improve the performance of low temperature separation systems. The drop in temperature from passing a gas/liquid through a JT Valve is affected by many variables (gas/liquid pressure, inlet gas/liquid temp, gas/liquid composition) which can limit the JT Valves ability to lower the gas/liquid temperature to operating levels necessary to achieve desired results. One way to improve the performance of any pressure/temperature reducing device (JT Valve, Expander) is to lower the inlet temperature of the gas/liquid before passing through the JT Valve. If for instance the inlet pressure and temperature before passing through the JT Valve is 1,000 psi at 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the JT Valve is set to have 800 psi pressure differential between the JT Valve inlet gas/liquid and the JT Valve outlet gas/liquid then the change in pressure and temperature would now be 200 psi at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The now colder 60 degree gas/liquid enters the cold separator were the NGL is separated from the gas. The system can now take advantage of both the 60 degree gas and the 60 degree NGL by sending them separately to heat exchangers where they are used to cool the 100 degree pre JT Valve inlet gas/liquid down to around 70 degrees. After leaving the exchanger the post JT Valve fuel grade gas and NGL exit process skid. The 1000 psi at 70 degree pre JT Valve gas/liquid now passes through the JT Valve 30 degrees cooler with the use of a heat exchanger, as a result the post JT Valve temperature is now 30 degrees Fahrenheit. With time the systems temperature will continue to fall until the design limits are met based on several variables.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the heat exchanger 10 of the present invention. This view illustrates the multiple inlets and chambers through which either multiple substances or a single substance can be passed multiple times at different temperatures. Thus, the single heat exchanger can act to cool or heat either multiple substances or the same substance multiple times at different heat levels. It also illustrates the multiple baffles 64 through which the various tubes (56, 58) travel and which cause the shell side product (not shown) to travel through the shell 12 in a nonlinear path which is believed to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange.

FIG. 6 is a front, cross-sectional view along line A-A from FIG. 5 of a second tube sheet 46 of the present invention 10. While FIG. 7 is a front, cross-sectional view along line B-B from FIG. 5 of a first tube sheet 42 of the improved heat exchanger 10. These figures illustrate tube sheets (42, 44, 46, 48) that have a pattern of apertures 54 which allow the tubes (56, 58, 60) to pass through the tube sheet (42, 44, 46, 48). Because of the multiple phases and passes through the heat exchanger 10, the specific pattern of tube sheet apertures 54 of each individual tube sheet (42, 44, 46, 48) helps keep the multiplicity of tubes (56, 58, 60) from becoming twisted or unorganized inside the shell 12. Additionally, by interspersing the tubes from different products or passes, the efficiency of the heat exchange is improved.

FIG. 8 is a side, cross-sectional view along line Y-Y from FIG. 7 of a tube sheet (42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52) of the present invention. It illustrates the shape of the tube sheet (46 as shown but applicable to other tube sheets) having a thicker center 132 with a tube sheet shoulder 128 and a rim 130 that extends beyond the center 132 and which is thinner than the center 132. The relatively thinner rim 130 and shoulder 128 allow for attachment and positioning of the shell 12 and heads (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24) which can be urged against the shoulder 128 and coupled to the rim 130 via an appropriate attachment mechanism such as welding, gluing, bolting, riveting, screwing, or other like fastening which are well known in the art.

FIG. 9 illustrates the improved heat exchanger 10 installed into a heat exchange system as shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, illustrated in this figure is a sled 134 onto which the heat exchange system is installed. As used herein, “sled” refers to any sort of wagon or cart which may be pushed or pulled onto which the heat exchange system may be installed, and the sled used to move the heat exchange system from place to place. It is anticipated that there may be many embodiments of sleds 134. As shown in FIG. 9, the sled 134 as a platform 136 onto which the heat exchange system is installed and rests. The sled 134 may be further comprised of two sled sides 138 which ended in opposing sled ends 140. In order to help the mobility of the sled 134, the sides 138 may extend outwardly and end in sled runners 142. The runners 142 would help the entire apparatus slide along the ground surface. It is also anticipated that the sled 134 might have axles and wheels, skis, or other apparatus that are well known in the art to provide for better movement of the sled 134. Additionally, the sled 134 may have a towbar 144 or other type of hitch installed in the front, back, or both in order to couple the sled 134 to a towing vehicle (not shown).

FIG. 10 is an illustration showing the improved heat exchanger 10 and in exchange system installed on a sled 134. As shown in this figure, the sled 134 has depth from its bottom 146 to the platform 136. It is anticipated that the sides 138, platform 136, bottom 146 and ends 140 be connected so as to create a hollow space (not shown) in the body of the sled 134. In order to more efficiently perform heat exchange, it is anticipated that one or more of the improved heat exchanger 10 may be installed in the hollow space of the sled 134. It is further anticipated that the heat exchangers 10 may be surrounded by insulation (not shown) so as to better isolate the heat exchanger 10 from the ambient environment. It is also anticipated that the runners 142 (or wheels or other structure coupled to the sled 138 and used to increase mobility) will contact the ground or substrate while the bottom 146 will be raised off the ground or substrate.

FIGS. 11-14 are various views of illustrations of the exchanger 10, heat exchange system as it might be installed on a sled 134. FIGS. 11, 13, and 14, show the sled 134 removed to better show the heat exchangers 10. While FIG. 12 shows a top view of the sled 134 and system.

In interpreting the claims appended hereto, it is not intended that any of the appended claims or claim elements invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

It should be understood that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and description, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and description herein. Thus, although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components in the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. 

I claim:
 1. A heat exchanger comprising: a shell, wherein said shell is cylindrical; a shell interior extending inside said shell from a first aperture at a first end of said shell to a second aperture at a second end of said shell; a shell outlet near said first end of said shell; a shell inlet near said second end of said shell; a tube bundle comprising a multiplicity of tube sets, said tube sets comprising a multiplicity of tubes inside said hollow portion of said shell; a second input tube sheet coupled to said first end of said shell across said first aperture, wherein said second input tube sheet has a multiplicity of holes the number of which is corresponding with the number of said tubes in said shell; a second input head, wherein said second input head is cylindrical and hollow creating a second input head chamber, and wherein a first end of said second input head is coupled to said second input tube sheet opposite said shell, said second input head having a second input head inlet; a second output tube sheet coupled to said second end of said shell across said second aperture, wherein said second output tube sheet has a multiplicity of holes the number of which is corresponding with the number of said tubes in said tube bundle; a second output head, wherein said second output head is cylindrical and hollow creating a second output head chamber, and wherein a first end of said second output head is coupled to said second output tube sheet opposite said shell, said second output head having a second output head inlet; a first input tube sheet coupled to a second end of said second input head, wherein said first input tube sheet has a multiplicity of holes the number of which corresponds with the number of tubes in a first tube set; a first input head, wherein said first input head is hemispherical and hollow creating a first input head chamber, and wherein an equatorial end of said first input head is coupled to said first input tube sheet opposite said second input head, said first input head having a first input head inlet; a first output tube sheet coupled to a second end of said second output head, wherein said first output tube sheet has a multiplicity of holes the number of which corresponds with the number of holes in said first input tube sheet; a first output head, wherein said first output head is hemispherical and hollow creating a first output head chamber, and wherein an equatorial end of said first output head is coupled to said first output tube sheet opposite said second output head, said first output head having a first output head outlet; wherein each of said tubes pass through a unique hole of said holes in said second input tube sheet and each of said tubes pass through a unique hole of said holes in said second output tube sheet; wherein said tubes in a second tube set are sized such that an interior of said tubes in said second tube set is open to said second input head chamber and said second output head chamber; wherein said tubes in said first tube set are sized such that an interior of said tubes in said first tube set is open to said first input head chamber and said first output head chamber; wherein any gaps between said tubes in said tube bundle and said holes in said second input and second output tube sheets are sealed; and wherein any gaps between said tubes in said first tube set and said holes in said first input and first output tube sheets are sealed.
 2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, further comprising: a third input tube sheet coupled to said first end of said shell across said first aperture, wherein said third input tube sheet has a multiplicity of holes the number of which is corresponding with the number of said tubes in said shell; a third input head, wherein said third input head is cylindrical and hollow creating a third input head chamber, and wherein a first end of said third input head is coupled to said third input tube sheet opposite said shell, said third input head having a third input head inlet; a third output tube sheet coupled to said second end of said shell across said second aperture, wherein said third output tube sheet has a multiplicity of holes the number of which is corresponding with the number of said tubes in said tube bundle; a third output head, wherein said third output head is cylindrical and hollow creating a third output head chamber, and wherein a first end of said third output head is coupled to said third output tube sheet opposite said shell, said third output head having a third output head inlet; wherein said tubes in said first tube set are sized such that an interior of said tubes in said first tube set is open to said third input head chamber and said third output head chamber; and wherein any gaps between said tubes in said tube bundle and said holes in said third input and third output tube sheets are sealed.
 3. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein said tubes are mounted in said shell on one or more baffles.
 4. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein said tubes are mounted in said shell on one or more baffles.
 5. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein said heat exchanger is mounted on a sled.
 6. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein said heat exchanger is mounted on a sled.
 7. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein said first input head chamber, said second input head chamber, said shell interior, said second output head chamber, and said first output head chamber are oriented linearly relative to each other.
 8. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein said first input head chamber, said second input head chamber, said third input head chamber, said shell interior, said third output head chamber, said second output head chamber, and said first output head chamber are oriented linearly relative to each other.
 9. The heat exchanger of claim 7, wherein said heat exchanger is mounted on a sled.
 10. The heat exchanger of claim 8, wherein said heat exchanger is mounted on a sled. 